AI adoption grows in UK workplaces, yet support for employees lags behind

According to recent research by Hays, the usage of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in UK organisations has seen an uptick, moving from 21% to 27% in the last six months. Despite this growth, a significant portion of the workforce feels underprepared and unsupported by their employers in adapting to these new technologies.

The survey, which gathered nearly 15,000 responses from both employers and professionals, highlights a concerning trend: the number of employees who believe their employer is not sufficiently helping them prepare for AI’s integration into the workplace has risen from 55% to 60%.

While the use of AI tools by individuals has increased from 15% to 20%, the research indicates a mixed response from employers towards AI. Although 57% of employers plan to allow AI tool usage with monitoring, a slight increase has been observed in the number of organisations expecting to ban AI, moving from 18% to 22%. Interestingly, 7% of organisations have already implemented a ban on AI in the workplace, up from 3% six months ago.

Professional attitudes towards AI are varied, with 25% seeing potential positive impacts on their jobs, and only 8% fearing negative consequences. A growing number of employees believe AI will not affect their jobs, although there remains significant uncertainty about AI’s broader implications for the workforce.

On a positive note, the skills gap concerning AI usage appears to be narrowing, with a decrease in professionals feeling they lack the necessary skills to utilize AI effectively. However, the demand for more substantial employer support in upskilling and training to leverage AI technologies effectively remains high.

Simon Winfield, CEO of Hays UK and Ireland, stresses the importance of employers taking an active role in training and upskilling employees to harness the benefits of AI. He notes: “It is essential for employers to provide ample opportunities for training and to communicate clearly about the use and monitoring of AI tools. Supporting staff to feel confident and informed about these changes is crucial for unlocking AI’s potential while mitigating risks.”